TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The federal government is expediting review and permitting for port expansion projects in Miami and Jacksonville.
The White House announced the decision Thursday as part of President Barack Obama's "We Can't Wait" initiative.
The Army Corps of Engineers is completing a feasibility study on deepening the Jacksonville port's channel so it can handle bigger ships.
The Corps also is reviewing a proposal for a new intermodal container facility at the Jacksonville port.
Work already has begun on deepening the Miami port's channel because the state advanced money to cover the federal share of the dredging.
Miami port director Bill Johnson said he hopes the decision to expedite permitting is a signal the White House intends to include the project in the federal budget for the 2014 fiscal year.
Associated Press